Grant provides fresh start for family support group

The Bishop of Guildford's communities fund has stepped in with a grant of £1,500 to help St. Paul's Church, Tongham, kick-start a new children's centre and family support group in the village.

The original children's centre in Tongham, Surrey was one of 31 to be axed by the local authority last year.

The first phase of this children's centre and family support group is called 'Baby Plus', a welcoming and relaxed group which will include a variety of sensory experiences to encourage the development of motor skills.

The experience is free of charge and provides a safe space for parents and babies, where they can learn new take-home skills. Further support is also signposted, such as counselling, advice, and particular issues such as disability.

Toddler support will also be available, to enable second-time parents to attend with a new baby, as well as there being access to drop-in sessions, where a breadth of topics are covered such as sleep, changing relationships and introducing new foods to their baby.

The Revd Claire Holt, vicar of St Paul’s Tongham, said: "We are very grateful to the Bishop of Guildford’s Communities Fund for this grant.

"It has enabled Baby Plus to be set up locally, rather than trying to access the nearest local authority funded support in Guildford.

"It has already proven to be effective in reducing isolation and providing much-needed support for the local community."